Domaine Abbatucci - Imperial Minister 2024
In the Taravo valley, south of Ajaccio, the Domaine Comte Abbatucci maintains one of the most precious ampelographic collections in Corsica. Initiated by Antoine Abbatucci and then developed by Jean-Charles Abbatucci, it brings together many island varieties long neglected, preserved as a living heritage. Today, Jean-Charles and his daughter Faustine continue this approach on granite arena slopes located at about 150 meters altitude. The vineyard has been managed biodynamically for over twenty years, in an environment where the vine remains closely associated with the maquis, meadows, and surrounding reliefs. Ministre Impérial belongs to the Collection cuvées, made in tribute to the family's ancestors and their role in Corsican history. It is named after Jacques-Pierre-Charles Abbatucci, Minister of Justice under the Second Empire. Beyond this lineage, the wine mainly testifies to a rare work on the diversity of native red grape varieties and their ability to form a coherent whole.
Ministre Impérial 2024 blends seven Corsican varieties: morescola, morescono, aléatico, carcajolo nero, montanaccia, sciaccarello, and nielluccio. The vines are planted on granite arena soils, whose draining texture contributes to the finesse and freshness of the wine. The harvest is handpicked, then gravity-received before being destemmed without crushing. Maceration takes place for about a month in thermoregulated truncated tanks, with regular punch-downs and pump-overs. Fermentations start spontaneously in wood, thanks to yeasts naturally present on the grapes and in the cellar. After pressing off, free-run and press juices are separated before aging for twelve months in demi-muids. The wine is then blended in stainless steel tanks, where it rests for several more months before bottling.
The deep red robe is tinged with intense garnet reflections. The nose first unfolds blackberry, blackcurrant, and redcurrant, then evolves towards myrtle, rosemary, and dry herbs of the maquis. Notes of blood orange, pepper, black olive, and licorice gradually appear upon aeration. The palate is ample and fleshy but maintains remarkable verticality thanks to a well-defined mineral freshness. The tannins are tight in their youth, without harshness, and accompany a dense matter marked by black fruits, spices, and a finely woody touch. The finish has a long persistence, between ripe fruits, aromatic plants, tapenade, and warm stone. An hour in a decanter will allow pairing it with lamb shoulder with candied clementines, leg of lamb with olives, roasted meat with herbs, or a stew with maquis.
Grape varieties: Morescola, Morescono, Aléatico, Carcajolo Nero, Montanaccia, Sciaccarello, and Nielluccio
